Hawks Weigh Anthony Davis Pursuit as Trae Young Trade Scenarios Surface
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December 29, 2025 — The Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a legitimate contender for Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, according to Marc Stein’s latest Substack report. Chris Haynes first noted Saturday that Atlanta remains “very intrigued” by the 10-time All-Star, but multiple hurdles could complicate any agreement.
One major issue is salary. Trae Young owns a $48.97 million player option for 2026-27, while Davis is due $58.46 million that same season. Stein writes that keeping both contracts on the books would likely exceed the Hawks’ spending comfort level, raising the possibility that Young—contrary to Haynes’ initial report—might need to be moved in a separate deal to balance the books.
League sources told Stein that Davis plans to seek a long-term, high-dollar extension once he becomes eligible in August, whether he remains in Dallas or lands elsewhere. That expectation adds another layer of cost for any suitor.
Growing chatter about Trae Young’s availability
Executives around the NBA increasingly believe Atlanta is open to trade offers for its four-time All-Star point guard, Stein reports. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon echoed that sentiment on Monday’s “Hoops Collective” podcast, noting the Hawks made no effort to discuss an extension with their franchise centerpiece. Rival front offices, however, doubt a strong trade or free-agent market exists; some believe Young may ultimately need to exercise his player option.
MacMahon compared Young’s situation to those of other highly paid, small guards such as Ja Morant (Grizzlies) and LaMelo Ball (Hornets), suggesting deals for any of them would be difficult to construct.
Potential Atlanta package for Davis
Stein indicates Atlanta appears willing to include 2024 first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher under certain circumstances. Expiring contracts belonging to Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard could help satisfy salary-matching rules. However, forward Jalen Johnson and the protected 2026 first-rounder the Hawks control (the better of the Bucks or Pelicans selections) are considered off-limits. It is also unclear whether Atlanta would add significant draft compensation to its proposal or if Dallas would welcome such an offer.
Mavericks’ internal debate
The Mavericks already feature Kyrie Irving in their backcourt and prefer to see Irving, Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg together before making another major move, Stein writes. Franchise governor Patrick Dumont is reportedly among those advocating patience, suggesting Dallas might wait until the offseason unless an exceptional package arrives.
Warriors monitoring but cautious
Golden State, long enamored with Davis, has discussed a possible pursuit, according to Haynes. Still, Stein reports that the Warriors remain wary of the forward’s contract size and injury history. Matching salaries would likely require sending out Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green, a scenario described as improbable. For now, the Warriors are said to be focused on identifying their best offer built around Jonathan Kuminga’s $22.5 million deal once he becomes trade-eligible on January 15.
Recent Hawks skid and injuries
Atlanta has dropped six straight games since Young’s mid-December return; the guard appeared in five of those losses. He will sit out Monday’s matchup in Oklahoma City with a right quad contusion, while Johnson is sidelined by illness, per Brad Rowland of “Locked On Hawks.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
